Today I interviewed Ariel Goodman, owner of Pikesville Remodeling.
What kinds of projects do you do, and which do you enjoy
most?
My company specializes in interior home remodeling. My
favorite projects are bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. At this point we have
done at least 100 bathrooms.
What was your most interesting project?
The houses in Roland Park and Cedar Cross are almost 100
years old, and when we work on them, they present challenges that are not present
in newer houses. The walls in a new house (1980s and up) are construction with 2-by-4s
and drywall. It is much easier to work with. Old houses use things like plaster
and lath; they also use a lot more concrete, so when you want to change
something, it requires a lot more work. It takes longer to complete a project
in an old house. The oldest house I ever worked on was over 200 years old; it
was very cool.
How did you meet your wife, Esti Straus?
When we were 16, our friends set us up. We met at Kosher Bite.
I was in TA, and she was in Bais Yaakov. We got married in 2005. We were young,
and both of us were working. We had our daughters two years after we got
married, and we got our first house right away. Esti got her master’s in human resources
and worked for a head HR attorney in Towson, while I got my business Pikesville
Remodeling off the ground. We have two girls and couldn’t be happier.
Having had those experiences, which school do you send
your kids to and why?
We send our kids to Beth Tfiloh. Esti was working there at
the time we were looking for schools, and it all worked out. BT has been a
great experience for our kids, both academically and socially.
What school did you attend, and what was it like?
I attended TA (Talmudical Academy) for all my school years.
There were a few good teachers, and I had some friends, but they were not the
best years of my life. School was not easy for me; I was an ADHD kid and paid
very little attention in class. Outside of school was where I lived.
What was it like growing up with Tamir Goodman as your
brother?
It was a lot of fun. I am one of five boys. Shabbos in the
house was always crazy; people from around the community would come and play basketball
at our house. There were always at least 20 people over at a time.
What would you tell someone interested in a career path
like yours that is different from that of the typical yeshiva bachur?
I would say, don’t be afraid of the trades. They have a lot
to offer. In construction you must work honestly and stay organized. As we are
working, we keep track of materials down to the last nail to make sure we never
overcharge. Part of that is organization. Tools and materials are put back
where they are taken from. Once you have this mindset of “keep it neat,” it’s
easy to stay organized in your work. When Hashem gives you a gift with your
hands, and you have the ability to do something good because of it, it is your
obligation to give back with the gifts you were given.
Aidee
Moss is a high school junior in Baltimore. She competes in CIJE high school
robotics and is an assistant coach for middle school CIJE robotics. Aidee
enjoys STEM class, volunteering at the Baltimore Humane Society, traveling to
new places, and writing. Aidee’s favorite way to spend any day is with her
family and friends!
